Precision gene therapy for vision disorders with nano-syringe technology

The UNSW startup EosGene Therapeutics has pioneered NanoSyringe technology, an innovative platform that transforms gene therapy delivery. By targeting diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss, this light-activated liposomal nanoparticle system ensures precise therapeutic delivery. The liposomes are triggerable by high-energy radiation, opening another field for therapeutic nuclear medicine applications. This is the first gene therapy delivery system combining light-triggered precision and cost-effective scalability.

Current anti-VEGF treatments require frequent injections, burdening patients and healthcare systems. This solution offers a one-time treatment with localised activation, reducing the need for repeated interventions while improving safety and efficacy. Our advancements have the potential to reduce healthcare costs significantly and improve patient compliance, creating a paradigm shift in managing vision-related disorders. The research is unlocking broader applications in ophthalmology and beyond, advancing gene therapy and reach.

The work led to preclinical studies demonstrating 85 per cent gene knockout efficiency in targeted tissues, and partnerships with leading research institutions such as the UNSW RNA Institute and Westmead Hospital.